Green Computer Switch

thingiverse

Motivation This thing goes between your power outlet and the extension cord to which all your computer gear is connected. The ecological dilemma is that you want to be able to switch on your computer conveniently by one switch, but most devices draw a standby power that can be between 1 and 10 W/device. This adds to your monthly bill. Master/Slave extension cords or ones with switches are an alternative. However, after shutting down the PC is quite easy to forget to turn the switch, or there is still the standby current of the computer. Function Hence, this thing is a (partial) remedy. It basically disconnects all the devices from power. By pressing the big push-button, the computer/devices get connected to power. Most PCs have a BIOS setting "Automatic start on power loss". If this is enabled, the computer will boot up while the button is pressed. Of course also the 12V bus in the computer will be powered, and this voltage is connected to my device again, basically holding the button automatically. So after there is power in the PC, the push-button can be released and will be "pressed" automatically. Of course, until the PC shuts down. Then, the computer and all other stuff will be disconnected again from all power. Approximate building costs: 12€. Approximate cost of all PC devices' standby power:8-15€ per year. Build time: 2:30h The only drawback is that you cannot use the standby mode any more, as the 12V power will be cut to stop the hard drives. One would need to draw a voltage from the big ATX motherboard connector for that... Instructions In the schematic an the board, there is an alternative 5 V USB connector that also holds the current, however, in my case, the 12 V from the normal "hard drive" connectors works much better. USB is always powered on my motherboard, for some strange reason. The circuit The holding voltage is buffered by an capacitor, and decreased by an resistor to feed the LED of the MOC TRIAC-OptoCoupler. The Optocoupler has zero crossing detection, it will switch on and off only at current-zero crossings. The switch acts as an override for the MOC. WARNING This is not a project for beginners! If there is a false connection, you might damage you, your health, and your devices!! Only create this thing if you have knowledge on working with 220V!!! Please act carefully and respect isolation distances between the 220V wires, especially via the 220V side and the low-voltage side of the board.